The Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on the Niger-Delta, to undertake comprehensive investigation into problems of the Niger Delta region, and make exhaustive findings and recommendations.
The intervention came on the heels of the lingering crisis in the region.
The Senate also urged President Umaru Musa Yar�Adua to direct relevant Federal Government offices and agencies, including Oil and Gas companies, to comply with provisions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act, particularly with the release of funds.
The motion, drawing Senate attention to the Niger-Delta problem, was co-sponsored by 50 senators. Senator Lokpobiri Heineken moved the motion entitled �Niger Delta Crisis.�
Senators said laws made by the National Assembly in respect of the NDDC had been flagrantly violated, thus resulting in the under-funding of the Commission.
This rendered the Commission incapable of facilitating inadequate development of the region. The Senators argued that if funds meant for NDDC are released by the Federal Government and oil companies, the Niger Delta Regional Development Master-plan could be immediately and vigorously implemented, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
This, they contended, would �provide the needed infrastructure in the region and ultimately bring the crisis or restiveness under control.�After the motion, which was stood down before the Senate proceeded on its six-week recess was exhaustively debated, the House approved a six-point resolutions. It commended President Yar� Adua for the steps taken so far by his administration to address cases in the Niger DeltaBesides, it urged him condemn the activities of armed gangs who have taken advantage of the genuine grievances of the Niger Deltapeople.The Senate also urged the youths in the region to lay down arms and give peace a chance, adding that should stop hostage taking and allow the relevant government agencies to develop the Region for the benefit of all.
Sep72007